Early voting starts today in El Paso, and whether you’re fired up about politics or completely over it, this is your opportunity to have a say.

This is for the Super Tuesday primary, which determines which Democratic and Republican candidates will move on to the November General Election ballot. There are major statewide races on the line, including the governor’s race and a U.S. Senate contest, along with local positions like El Paso County Judge and two seats on Commissioners Court.

A lot of people say voting doesn’t matter. But here’s the thing: if even a fraction of the people who usually sit out showed up, outcomes could look very different. Primaries in particular tend to have low turnout. That means a relatively small percentage of voters can shape who ends up on the final ballot.

Early voting runs from Feb. 17 through Feb. 27. You don’t have to wait until March 3. If long lines or busy schedules are what usually stop you, early voting is often quicker and more flexible.

Before heading out, take a minute to make sure you’re registered. You can check your status through the El Paso County Elections Department’s online voter dashboard using your name and date of birth or your VUID number. You can also preview a sample ballot so you know exactly what you’re walking into.

And yes, Texas requires photo ID. You’ll need one of these:

Texas driver’s license

Texas personal ID card

Texas election ID certificate

Texas handgun license

U.S. military ID with photo

U.S. citizenship certificate with photo

U.S. passport

If you can’t reasonably obtain one of those, you can complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the polling site and present a supporting document like a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, voter registration certificate, or certified birth certificate.

If you’ve ever felt like the same red-versus-blue choices don’t fully represent you, primaries are one of the few places where participation can shift that dynamic. When turnout is low, a small, motivated group decides. When turnout grows, the results can better reflect the broader community. But that can’t happen unless everyone shows up.

Whether you’re passionate or skeptical, this is one of the simplest ways to make your voice count.

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